8 Jul 2015

The tedious Sterling saga continues, and dubious new reports today claim that The Mercenary's aversion to Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is the real reason he wants out of Anfield. Is this true, though? Based on available factual evidence, it seems like typically unfounded media hogwash.

Of course it's been denied - there's absolutely no evidence to support the contention that Sterling doesn't want to play under Rodgers. In fact, the available evidence suggests the complete opposite:

* Apr 2014: In an interview with BBC Football Focus, Sterling enthused: "He [Rodgers] has been a breath of fresh air. He’s helped me a lot with my game, and if I need someone to talk to about off the field stuff, he’s there for me".

* Apr 2014: In a separate interview, Sterling raved: "It is great to have a manager who has belief in you; as a young player that is what you cry out for. I am just grateful to have a manager like that at this club."

* Jan 2015: An alleged Liverpool 'source' claimed: "Raheem and Brendan are very close and there was a worry about the future of the manager, but Liverpool have given assurances...they are committed to him, which is what Raheem wanted to hear."

* Mar 2015: Sterling told the BPL podcast: "He [Rodgers] was trying to get me settled off the pitch, and be more relaxed on the ball and express myself. He has made me realise I am here on merit. That has really helped me".

* Apr 2015: In his infamous interview with the BBC, Sterling once again praised Rodgers: "I speak to Brendan on good terms. I can speak to him whenever I want. There's nothing bad to say or think about Brendan - he's been really good to me since I've come into the team. He's always tried to help me".

Now, we're supposed to believe that The Mercenary suddenly has a major problem with Rodgers, and doesn't want to play for him any more? In my view, it's nonsense, but some fans will latch onto this latest media report and parade it as gospel, even if there's no evidence to back it up.

That said, I have absolutely no doubt that Sterling (via his Agent) is the source of this particular rumour. The Mercenary wants out of Liverpool, and he will do whatever it takes to make that happen, even if it includes throwing Rodgers under the bus.

In this scenario, Sterling's plan may be to capitalise on Rodgers' plummeting popularity amongst the fanbase. After last season's debacle, fans are on the manager's back, so why not plant the idea that Rodgers's managerial inadequacy is the real reason the Mercenary wants out of Anfield?

It's an idea that some sections of the fanbase will lap-up with a spoon as it accords with the growing fan view that Rodgers cannot attract (or keep) top-class players. It also achieves the goal of diverting attention away from the truth.

Well, just like the BBC interview, this will backfire on Sterling, and damage his flagging reputation even more. Like all managers, Rodgers has his flaws (and I've highlighted them many times), but one thing that cannot be denied is his positive impact on Sterling's career.

Rodgers has shown immense faith in Sterling, and given him what every young player dreams of: regular playing time (even during long barren spells)

Don't get me wrong, Rodgers - with his sycophantic gross overpraise, and damaging ego massage - is the author of his own destruction, but that doesn't change the fact that he has catapulted The Mercenary's career into the stratosphere.

And his reward for this? A large, serrated blade to the back, which Sterling continues to twist.

It's an ugly affair, but I'm actually glad this has happened as it makes it even more certain that Sterling will leave Anfield. There's no way back for The Mercenary, and hopefully he'll be gone sooner rather than later.

On a related note: Further reports claim that Liverpool fans have leaked Sterling's telephone number, which is absolutely shameful, and just highlights (yet again) the pathetically childish nature of (some) alleged 'fans'.

No doubt, it's the same simpletons who arranged for the 'Rodgers Out' banner to be flown over Anfield.

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131 comments:

The club hold all the cards in this situation. What Sterling is doing is utter madness. If Man City don't meet the valuation, he's pushed so far and burned so many bridges that there's no coming back. He'll be sitting on the bench at Melwood for 2 years and see his career ruined. While nobody likes to see a player put in a transfer request, the least he could have done is handle is business like a professional.

Get me clear please. I condemn the disrespectful manner in which raheem has gone about seeking his transfer. If I was John Henry I would order BR to play the prick in reserves this coming season and then sell him to watford or nottingham next season.

But if that aversion is true, it appears to stem from "square peg-in-round hole" philosophy of the gaffer. Constantly playing people in unnatural positions (sterling was played in a 5/6 different positions last season), Can, Ibe, Markovic, Balo etc.) is one of the main reasons (after the money, cup prospects and becnhing ) why players seek transfers to other teams

It just gets worse and worse by the minute this situation. The sooner we are rid of him the better for all concerned. I cannot for the life of me understand what has happened in this kids mind but between himself and his agent they have completely lost the plot. It begs the question if I was a City fan would I even want him at my club... a big fat NO would the be the answer. He has portrayed himself very very poorly in this whole situation and he will be forever known for the wrong reasons now by a lot of football fans unless of course he becomes the next Messi/Ronaldo which we can all safely won't happen. Silly silly boy.

This is good stuff -- I really like the stories JK does on the theme of CHICKENS COMING HOME TO ROOST of all kinds. Perfect.

I'm a bit bemused that Raheem is still not just getting his head down and conducting his affairs with some kind of professionalism and respect. It's not like he wasn't going to get his move. Money can make people do crazy things, I suppose

But this isn't just money and fame, this is going into the territory of the weird; it's the kind of behavior can destroy a player's career, especially if he's English -- there's no escape. And no amount of money can inoculate you from the press once they get a whiff of blood.

Spot on about agent stirring things...but if that is true about phone number and abusive texts he has received then it is bang out of order. Fans, if you can call them that, who resort to those type of things are no good for the clubs image.

Very well put Jamie K. After all that has been said and done - giving the lad a holiday in the season - I don't believe he has a problem with the gaffa. Hey you never know the lad might actually be sick! The clubs Dr's will see him and he knows that. Don't get me wrong I am not a massive fan of Sterling and the way he has behaved before, but I am not buying this don't want to play for Rogers line.

It is unbelievable that Sterling is now making up stories for the press and claiming that all the fuss has made him too ill to come to work just to make himself look better. Fortunately. we can all see through his nasty little plan. Unbelievable

In defence of the club, their stance has not changed. "Your not for sale, but if someone offer £50m, no strings attached we will accept the bid".

Everyone knows he's going to go, Sterling actions are just trying to get his price down to save city some money, & he doesn't have the guts to ask for transfer as it will cost him money. Yet its the club who should save face by bowing down to a petulant kid

There might be some truth if as reported his phone number has been leaked. Don't get me wrong he has handled the whole situation very poorly and not helped by his agent, but there is a line to be drawn when it gets personal.

Very good point indeed. I think they are hoping it puts us in a position where we will accept a lower bid just to get rid... I'm sincerely hoping we don't fall for it and I don't think we will. I reckon he will go for around £45M which considering everything is still a very, very good price for a player who is potential and not a lot else at the moment. City don't strike me as a club who particularly care about a players image/reputation they just wanna get their hands on whatever they want.

People like Can, Ibe, Markovic are effectively youth players who should be grateful for a game. They certainly can't dictate where they play -- not at Liverpool, not at any club. This is all blown out of proportion, and any player who uses that as an excuse for leaving a club of Liverpool's stature -- more than likely because he was let go -- is kidding himself.

nonsense it is about money and his agent.in addition he wants cups. Why everyone is angry is because he is very disrespectful to the fans and LFC. He can always leave LFC with a good bye not with this arrogant attitude especially he is still a child under 21 years old.

I understand that, I just think he should show a bit of guts and go on the tour, go to training, do everything he can not to harm his reputation if he wants that £10m underpants contract 10 years down the line.

...oooh, I just found a very grizzly, very bad tempered cat, hasn't eaten for a while and got turned down by at least three female cats when out looking for a quick f*ck to settle it's hormones - so it's pi*sed off....now to find some pigeons...let's see......

...papers, sites et al are in it for the sensationalism no doubt, and yes, Sterling clever little t*sser that he is is jumping on the general discord toward BR; riding it for all its worth.....but....didn't he moan 'tongue in cheek' about being played out of position so many times esp right back and not enjoying it...? It could be that's what he's alluding to when he says he ain't playing for BR any more...due to the constant trial and error of positions..

...we've all been ruing why BR didn't try Glen J at right wing etc...but at least he's willing to try changing patterns of play to confuse the opposition....but mercenery doesn't like it because it grates with his alleged 'genius'...yes that genius that's worth £50 mill....yep, that's right, the one that hasn't actually been proven yet.......

...by the way, I like BR but this has affected me, not to say a little pipsqueek should get his way over the club but for the reputation of all concerned doesn't the club realise this kind of thing affects players who may want to come...(lacazette) - (benteke will come anyway anything is an upgrade on villa)...so either tell the little sh*t to shut it or put out a comment so the narrative can change immediately and so we can spin it differently ....rather than having to rely on Jaimie on an unofficial website to do it for them......

I did hear rumours somewhere that if Klopp was signed, he would stay... Which if true, would indicate that while Sterling and Brendan are on speaking terms, Sterling maybe doesn't feel that Brendan is best placed to further his ambitions... Wouldn't sound too far away from alot of views here....

PS... Brendan has leaked Streling's mobile number on Twatter for a laugh....

...Glen, I don't want them to deny it...I want them to attack it back...not necessarily directly but at least take the focus off him by releasing a statement about anything even the tea lady if need be...apparently she's a key cog in the LFC wheel according to some on here......

he should leave without making things more complicated than is.... its the stupid hype and praise heaped on him that gave his Agent the guts to say thrash and put us in this situation... So if he needs to go so be it.

This rift is also good in its own right because it puts Rodgers in the spotlight to work harder and get the results to dispel the notion that he is a mediocre coach. Even though we all know that by January the chances of him being sacked is like 97%.

I said the reverse.... If you had read it, you would see that....When Sturridge and Suarez were upfront, the attacking football was sublime..... fast forward to last season and we are stuck with a lesser front line....Is that Hendo, or the likes of Balotelli, Borini and Lambert who can't follow...

You know Sterking is lying when his mouth moves. The only reason Sterling is leaving is that he has a special arrangement where he gets a £4 -5 Million payout from his agents £8 - 10 mill fee for this move, thats why he is engineering the move and will no doubt do it again in a year or two from Man City with the same arrangement in place.

He is only where he is cause Rodgers believed in him when others declared him too young and too much of a risk and this is how he acts to repay the faith shown in him.

He's a money grabbing turncoat, its no coincidence that there was a dip in his form second half of the season as part of his engineeringing of this move, if he wanted Champions League why did he not give his all to get it.

I pity City, they don't know what they are getting, we're much better off with a "professional" like Milner who will take a pay cut to play at his best, rather than that money grabbing Judas.

JK is a disgrace!! When Suarez was doing his antics of leaving LFC you threw lot of insult at him. Just calling RS a mercenary does not mean you are been harsh on him like you did with Suarez. LS with his disgraceful antics never said no to a LFC tour.

its not totally the fault of the attackers/finishers (even though they where all playing below par)...in modern day football set up, the midfield play 90% in making goals...

The midfield will feed the attackers endlessly and that results in Goals..

Arsenal,Barca, play with that philosophy and that is why they have strikers that don't get high goal tallies...The goals come from everywhere,particularly the midfield... So we must say that the coach is the culprit but the players should up their game...

You need to take a look at the number of chances created by the midfieldes last season to see that it was the lack of quality upfront that really held us back... If the strikers can't put the ball in the back of the net, then there's not alot you can expect Hendo and Co to do.

"Let me put it this way, me and the manager were perhaps not on the same page last season. For most of the season at least,"

"He and I maybe went wrong with each other because I am very direct. I say things as they are, so I expect people will be the same to me. Maybe it's wrong to expect this sometimes.''

"There was much (distance) between us, and for me it was just enough. I felt he didn't appreciate the things I could do and contributed. When I feel that, then it's time to move on.”

''“When you are a part of the starting 11 for several games in a row and the team have performed well, and you feel that you have played well, then you are left out of the team and don’t feel appreciated, it starts to prey on your mind and you wonder,"

“Then at the same time you see the statistics from your game - which are so important all around the world of football - and you don’t understand why you weren’t used more often.”

Andy Carroll, January 2015:

“What he was saying to me and what was actually happening [were different things]. He was telling me one thing to my face, then I’d leave the training ground and he would ring me and tell me a completely different thing.''

“He would say: ‘You’re going to play every week, you’re going to play every game up front with [Luis] Suarez’. I’d leave and get home and he would ring me and say: ‘Fulham and West Ham want you and I think it’s best you should go.’'

“To my face it was: ‘You’ll start every week’. It was mixed messages. He was messing with my head. I lost respect for him, to be honest.''

“If he had said straightaway I wasn’t going to play, I’d have said fair enough, you’re a new manager, it’s your decision. You didn’t sign me, fair enough. He did it to a few other players, too, players who are not there now. I didn’t need to speak to anyone about it. I just knew it was a breakdown. If the manager is treating me like this, [I thought] there is no reason for me to be at Liverpool.”

Nuri Sahin, March 2013:

"I talked to him and asked him why he was playing me there. It is not my real position. The coach could not answer me … Still, no regrets. To play at Anfield was a wonderful experience. And maybe if I had not gone there I would not have been able to return to Borussia Dortmund. For that, I am happy. Thank God I have left Brendan Rodgers."

Stewart Downing, October 2014:

‘'He (Rodgers) was the one manager I had problems with, I found it very difficult and the way it was handled - to come out in the papers and basically slag off your player by saying you don’t try - that was poor really.''

''After Liverpool it was good to be dealing with a straight-talking man.''

Why is it so preposterous that Sterling may have a problem with Rodgers as well? Notice that all these comments have come after the player has left the club, so as I have previously mentioned, no player will publicly criticize the manager whilst playing for the club. I think that there may be an element of truth in this Sky Report.

In my opinion we should keep him here until he puts in an official transfer request, if he wants to leave he can go through the proper channels, which then I believe he won't be entitled to any of the transfer fee we receive. Then we'll see if it really is money related.

I doubt very much whether much of what is being credited as "Sterling said..." he knows very much about.

His agent is so desperate for a pay day that he's prepared to give up half his fee to make a transfer happen. He has no choice. Whilst Sterling is a valuable asset (on the field) what currency does his agent have if the transfer doesn't happen? He's out in the cold, LFC will cold shoulder him and what other player is going to sign up with him?

Sterling's number has been released? I'd say there's a fair chance that it's his agent that's done it knowing wound up reds will be onto him straight away and force a deeper wedge.

He's got racist whatsapp messages? And we know that how? Because Sterling has phoned the tabloids? Who is most likely to have briefed this happened...?

I'm not naive enough to think Sterling is some angel. But I do think we have an agent stirring up more and more shit because he must have a transfer regardless of what is best for Sterling.

"Let me put it this way, me and the manager were perhaps not on the same page last season. For most of the season at least,"

"He and I maybe went wrong with each other because I am very direct. I say things as they are, so I expect people will be the same to me. Maybe it's wrong to expect this sometimes.''

"There was much (distance) between us, and for me it was just enough. I felt he didn't appreciate the things I could do and contributed. When I feel that, then it's time to move on.”

''“When you are a part of the starting 11 for several games in a row and the team have performed well, and you feel that you have played well, then you are left out of the team and don’t feel appreciated, it starts to prey on your mind and you wonder,"

“Then at the same time you see the statistics from your game - which are so important all around the world of football - and you don’t understand why you weren’t used more often.”

Andy Carroll, January 2015:

“What he was saying to me and what was actually happening [were different things]. He was telling me one thing to my face, then I’d leave the training ground and he would ring me and tell me a completely different thing.''

“He would say: ‘You’re going to play every week, you’re going to play every game up front with [Luis] Suarez’. I’d leave and get home and he would ring me and say: ‘Fulham and West Ham want you and I think it’s best you should go.’'

“To my face it was: ‘You’ll start every week’. It was mixed messages. He was messing with my head. I lost respect for him, to be honest.''

“If he had said straightaway I wasn’t going to play, I’d have said fair enough, you’re a new manager, it’s your decision. You didn’t sign me, fair enough. He did it to a few other players, too, players who are not there now. I didn’t need to speak to anyone about it. I just knew it was a breakdown. If the manager is treating me like this, [I thought] there is no reason for me to be at Liverpool.”

Nuri Sahin, March 2013:

"I talked to him and asked him why he was playing me there. It is not my real position. The coach could not answer me … Still, no regrets. To play at Anfield was a wonderful experience. And maybe if I had not gone there I would not have been able to return to Borussia Dortmund. For that, I am happy. Thank God I have left Brendan Rodgers."

Stewart Downing, October 2014:

‘'He (Rodgers) was the one manager I had problems with, I found it very difficult and the way it was handled - to come out in the papers and basically slag off your player by saying you don’t try - that was poor really.''

''After Liverpool it was good to be dealing with a straight-talking man.''

Why is it so preposterous that Sterling may have a problem with Rodgers as well? Notice that all these comments have come after the player has left the club, so as I have previously mentioned, no player will publicly criticize the manager whilst playing for the club. I think that there may be an element of truth in this Sky Report.

Agree 100% Jamie; this entire thing does seem like typically unfounded media hogwash, including the notion that any of it was started by either Raheem himself or by his agent on his behalf, which as far as I can see, does not have a single piece of fact based evidence supporting it.

I certainly think that Sterling's refusal to go on tour is immature & will not enhance his reputation. At the same time I can see why he won't want to play for Rodgers:

1. Rookie playing a pivotal role:I've maintained that it's unhealthy for a club to be so reliant on such a young player. Sterling's versatility coupled with trashy transfer activities has exaggerated the boy's importance. Add questionable tactics which has seen the team regress then maybe he's abandoning a sinking ship.

2. BR's sound bites on contractual matters:"He's rejected a fantastic offer." "He's very close to signing". Going public may have undermined Sterling & he could have interpreted this as an attempt to manipulate negotiations.

3. BR develops young players:Probably one of the biggest myths in club football! Perhaps he's seen through the fluff & wants a more established manager to play for.

This only speculation on my part, as is everyone else's opinion but I feel a touch disheartened about the whole saga. I think the club needs to learn some lessons & Sterling needs to grow up & understand that what it means to be a man.

How do we know it's the same fans that leaked Sterling's number who arranged the Rodger's out banner? And if we know that much about them we should be able to stop them before they do something even more naughty the little scallywags

Don;t you have to have a grudging admiration though for a 20 year old to stick to his guns in the face of all the criticism? regardless of the rights and wrongs which imo are probably not as clear cut as they are presented by the establishment..

I had a friend once who was totally and completely oblivious to those around him, and the effects his actions had on others, good or bad.... I have a feeling that is Sterling.... It's either that, or his ego knows no bounds. Either way, he's screwed at LFC. so he has acheived his aim... I don't know whether to feel sorry for him really... He is a 20 yr old kid who has been involved in the professional game long enough to have learnt how he's supposed to act and present himself....His family and friends are seriously letting him down imo...You would think somebody somewhere would sit him down and have a word....

One thing common among all the players is the professionalism the show. None of them refused to play, and if memory serves right these statements happened after they left the club (maybe majority of them). Sterling may or may not have problems with BR, and he will not be the first employee to have problems with his manager. But he is an LFC player and he has no right to refuse to travel with the team or possibly claim false sickness (I am going to assume that he is really sick until proven otherwise).

...yes Stuart i must say i stood in awe and wonder when i last saw a toddler kick*ng sh*t out of his mums leg then smashing the floor with both his palms and toes simultaneously, all the while attempting to headb*tt the nicely polished concrete/plastic floor of the supermarket....

...yes people tutted and grimaced, yes they shook their judgemental heads..., yes they spoke in forked tongues about him in hushed whispers, but to his credit he stayed strong...even managing to bite the security guards finger as the very large black man tried to prise the kid from chocolate display....

...he got his way in the end...his mum bought him the spiderman cup....

Pound Sterling, just a tip: it's Manchester City who are delaying your transfer by not putting in the bid that they know will get you released so why not get your agent to vent your frustration with them instead of taking it out a club who have treated you perfectly well and given you your chance.

...i dunno man, hard up kids who got their feet on the ground act a certain way...you just ahve to look around at some of the south american lads who are happy to have a contract extension and yet are regulars in their national teams...they flippin got their feet firmly stuck on the ground...didnt hear a peep out of coutinho...

Sure. Especially if he knuckles down and becomes the top scorer and assist man in the league. But lets face facts he doesn't have the attitude, work ethic or mental fortitude to do it. Suarez became a better player cause of his desire, and was welcomed back and applauded out of Anfield cause when it came down it he put his BS to the side and represented LFC to fullest of his abilities.

Stan there are so many of those humble guys and they have big families to take care of back home..

..they work real hard and put in a shift...look at Carlos Bacca he was a bus conductor when he was 20 yoa...8-/ ...only now at 29 and with 3-5 consecutive production years is he asking for relative weekly wage....

When Martin O'Neill took the Celtic job, a man in a ski mask stepped out in front of him in the street, pointed a gun at his head and pulled the trigger. Click. "Next time it'll be loaded" the masked man said before leaving. Pretty sure O'neill never missed training the following day

You are a bit hysterical JK, you need to step it down a notch. Sterling is an employee no different from you and me when we decide to quit our jobs for whatever reason eg to further your career or take it in a different direction. All of us quit to get better exposure, more money etc. I dont see what is the big deal when its sterling. All this mercenary talk is just uncalled for. Sterling was one of our best players in the season before this one, lets appreciate the boy, wish him well and move on. i never heard Torres being called a mercenary, we might even begin to think some fans have some racial prejudice the way they are carrying on!!

There are actually quotes from Ward emerging now.....confirming Berahino has left him. He made some more remarks about Rodgers too He now has two clients....Raheem may yet see the error of his ways....

Im sorry but i don't care how old he is this kid needs a lesson in respect I'm so sick of people making excuses for him and blaming BR and LFC for the way he has turned out.This kid was given the opportunity of a life time and he repays them by being disrespectful. There are ways of conducting yourself when you are a proffessional, he acts like he is one of the best footballers in the world when he is only a footballer with potential.LFC need to make a stand and sell him as quickly as possible so the team can put this mess behind them and move on. People have slated Torres, Alonso and Suarez for them leaving but yet they blame BR and Ward for Sterlings behaviour, what a joke he is a spoilt little brat with an attitude who needs a reality check, sell him and have an open season on him when we play against him.

Bollocks. The lad has talent. At least sterling delivered! I dont hear much moaning abt half the boys thrown into the first team who have been perpetual dross Hendo, Allen, Lallana, Lovren, Manquillo, even Steve was on obscene money this last season and on merit he could NOT earn spot in the first team. These are the things that piss sterling off. Why should glen johnson be on 120K wen he is sat on the subs bench all year when a lad rated europe's best youthful talent is on peanuts. Some of the rabid reactions here love to heap the blame on Raheem and absolve BR, yet we know andy caroll, agger, sahin etc all had nothing good to say about Bodgers when they left. If raheem was so shite would citeh be prepared to stump 40m quid?? you tell me another player in this LFC squad apart from coutinho who could command a fee of even 15m??